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chapter 23
We began walking home when Muwol suddenly spoke up.
“Is there anything you’d like to have or need?”
“Huh? Why do you ask?”
“Since I received such a precious gift from you, I feel I should repay you somehow.”
“Repay me? It was just a lunchbox.”
“No, it truly was a precious gift,” Muwol said firmly, shaking his head.
“Because it contained your time, effort, and heart.”
Muwol really did have a talent for complimenting others. I tried to argue, but gave up halfway. It was better to accept the gift now so that Muwol could continue enjoying the lunchbox without worry.
“Shall we take a look at what the merchants have for sale?”
“Certainly.”
We turned toward the shopping street. Though it wasn’t as crowded as the tournament arena, it was still bustling. Merchants were calling out to customers, and there were plenty of people browsing. I felt a little anxious.
‘Will I even be able to choose something safely with so many people around?’
If anyone recognized Muwol, we might have to flee without buying anything.
But my worries were unnecessary. Anyone who seemed to recognize him merely glanced at me standing beside him and smiled warmly as they passed.
It seemed that everyone who admired Muwol inherited his considerate nature. Thanks to that, we could browse comfortably.
The merchants had a wider variety of items than usual. Probably an effect of the martial arts tournament. Still, nothing caught my eye. Seeing me remain indifferent, Muwol suggested:
“How about over there?”
“It looks like a jewelry stall.”
We approached a display covered with a red cloth. The jewelry was arranged neatly, and the sight alone made my heart flutter. I couldn’t take my eyes off the pieces, and the merchant eagerly recommended several items.
“This bracelet is the last one in stock. The peach-colored beads are truly radiant, don’t you think?”
“Wow, it’s beautiful.”
“This ring is made of coral. It will accentuate your fingers perfectly.”
“The color is so vivid—it’s lovely.”
Still, nothing made me fall in love instantly. As I lingered, considering multiple pieces, Muwol finally spoke.
“All of what the merchant has shown you…”
“Muwol!”
I quickly grabbed his sleeve. He looked at me, puzzled, and I whispered into his ear.
“You were going to buy everything the merchant showed, weren’t you?”
“Yes. I thought you liked all of them.”
“That’s too much. I don’t like them that much.”
“Is that so? Then what is your taste?”
“I…” I started to answer, then quickly stopped. A playful thought had just occurred to me. I asked Muwol:
“Could you choose just one piece that you think would suit me?”
“But I don’t really know what a woman likes,” he said.
“It’s okay. You can choose anything.”
“Hmm…”
Muwol stood in front of the display, deep in thought.
“This is difficult… Can’t I just pick several?”
“Absolutely not. You must choose only one.”
“Then I suppose I have no choice.”
He stared intently at the display, and I couldn’t help but notice how serious he was about it.
‘Muwol is always so earnest about everything.’
His sense of responsibility was admirable. He seemed like the kind of person who would fulfill any request once he’d promised. At that moment, he finally picked up a piece.
“This should be nice.”
“Let me see.”
On Muwol’s palm lay a pure white flower-shaped hair ornament.
“It’s beautiful.”
“It reminded me of Sojin. Not quite like cotton, but…”
“….”
Muwol’s calm and straightforward affirmation made me blush. While I fidgeted with the ornament, he paid the merchant.
“Thank you. I’ll wear this every day.”
Muwol smiled faintly and shook his head.
“You don’t have to.”
“But it’s the first gift you’ve given me.”
“Truly, you needn’t. I was planning to get proper jewelry for the wedding anyway.”
“….”
“That will suit you far better. It will be sturdier than a cloth ornament, too.”
Were you born without tact?
I almost asked a rude question just now. Muwol had been serious from the start—but it wasn’t unpleasant. Acting responsibly was far better than thoughtlessly doing whatever.
‘…And it’s kind of cute.’
I couldn’t forget the expression on his face as he pondered which piece to choose. He slightly opened his fingers holding the ornament.
I was sure that when the wedding came, I would receive jewelry far more magnificent than this. Yet I also knew I would treasure this little ornament just as much.
‘Whenever I see this, I’ll remember today, and that Muwol is truly a noble presence in our household.’
It had been worth asking him to choose.
Back at home, I said, brimming with excitement:
“Today was really fun.”
“It was enjoyable for me as well. And the lunchbox was truly delicious.”
“If it’s alright—”
I paused mid-sentence, then quickly continued before Muwol noticed my hesitation.
“May I bring some fruit over later from the market? The gift included some, and they’re sweet and delicious.”
“I would appreciate that.”
“Then you should head in first. You must be tired.”
“Then I’ll excuse myself for now.”
Muwol bowed politely and left. Once he had completely disappeared around the corner, I let out a sigh of relief.
‘I almost asked him to have tea in my room.’
I had already dragged him around for the martial arts tournament. Asking him to stay at home as well would’ve been too much.
‘I need to maintain proper boundaries if I want to get along with Muwol.’
Even after becoming his wife, I didn’t want to intrude on his space. If he wanted time alone, I wanted to give it; if he had a private space, I wanted to protect it.
‘But it’s contradictory…’
To do that, I had to understand him. Normally, I’d take my time gathering information, but the engagement had been decided so suddenly that I had no luxury.
‘Maybe I can naturally learn about him while preparing for the wedding?’
But he was much sharper than me and had lived in a world of cunning and strategy. Any attempt to pry might be immediately noticed—or seem suspicious.
‘There’s no choice.’
I’d have to be straightforward, like when I was proposed to. My eyes sparkled with determination.
If I was honest, he couldn’t misinterpret me. But how should I ask?
‘Do I want to know about you? Am I curious about you?’
Every way I phrased it sounded like a confession. I didn’t want to make him uncomfortable.
“Miss,”
Yehan barged in as if he had seen a ghost.
“What is it?”
“There are two elders from the Hwasan sect outside.”
“What…?!”
I immediately had someone in mind.
“Is one of them the master who faced Muwol in the martial arts match?”
Yehan, who had been by my mother’s side during the tournament, nodded.
“Then it’s clear Muwol has business with them.” I quickly stood.
“What about the other elder?”
“He’s someone we’ve never met before. Ah, but he seemed about the same age as my grandfather.”
My steps froze, and I slowly turned my head.
“Did he really seem that old?”
“Yes. He had white hair and a long beard.”
He must be a senior elder of the Hwasan sect. My heart began to race.
